Postdoctoral Fellow

A Postdoctoral position is open to study the mechanisms and regulation of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and its implications in respiratory infection and inflammation. The project builds upon our new discovery of a cancer drug regulating the NET formation and mucosal immune responses. This project will investigate new NET modulation strategies as effective treatment options for infectious and inflammatory clinical manifestations using preclinical mouse models and blood samples from patients with respiratory infection and sepsis. Sharma Lab has made significant contributions to the field of neutrophil functions in pneumonic sepsis and immunity using a bedside-to-bench approach by working collaboratively with clinicians and patient care teams. The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to join a highly collaborative translational group of basic scientists, clinical fellows and intensivists.  

Qualifications

PhD in any discipline of basic biology or health science. A background in infectious disease models is preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and implement research methods, resources and instrumentation relevant to the assigned projects. Collect, record, analyze and prepare research data for presentation in research meetings, conferences and manuscripts;  Participate in supervision and training of fellows, residents, students and volunteer personnel as needed, to increase the research efficiency Play an active role in seeking career and research advise from the PI and other faculty members as appropriate.

Job Description

We seek motivated and technically adept postdoctoral fellow to investigate signaling mechanism of neutrophil extracellular trap formation in respiratory infection and its upstream regulation by a cancer treatment drug. The highly translational project will require commitment of 3 years that will also include working in close collaboration with investigators at MD Anderson Cancer Center and University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.  The position requires hands-on experience in preclinical mouse models of pulmonary infection and disease; isolation, culture and manipulation of primary immune cells, bacterial propagation techniques, multicolor flow-cytometry, microscopy, immunostaining and basic biochemical techniques. Prior experience in working with neutrophils is desirable but not required.

Please send a full CV, a brief statement or cover letter describing career goals, research interests and experience; and names and contact information of 3 references to Dr. Jyotika Sharma. Review of applications will begin immediately and will be considered on a rolling basis. The position is fully funded and may be held for 3-5 years.